Spanish IV is described in the STSD 2010-2011 course description handbook as a course that will:  “have a mini- course format.  Each marking period we will study and stress a particular Spanish language topic.  Such topics might include, but are not limited to current events in Spanish language periodicals, Spanish short story selections, biographies of important Hispanic people, creative writing and independent study by appointment.”  This is a one-credit course (Spanish III is recommended before taking this course). 

The goal of this class is to:

Achieve advanced proficiency in the target language.

The objectives of this course are:

• To continue mastery of grammatical concepts.
• To perfect communication skills in the target language.
• To continue cultural appreciation of the Spanish speaking world, through art, literature and music.

Textbooks:

Kanter, Abby.  (2005).  Encuentros Maravillosos:  Gramática a Través de la Literatura. Boston:  Prentice Hall.

Rodríguez, Rodney.  (2004).  Momentos Cumbres de las Literaturas Hispánicas.  NewJersey:  Prentice Hall.

This textbook comes equipped with an online tutorial and helpful website, which you should utilize often.  The website is:  www.phschool.com

Required Materials:

• Spanish-English Dictionary
• Notebook

Classroom Rules:

• Mutual Respect between teacher, student and fellow classmates.
• Be on time and prepared to learn!
• No food or drinks except for water.

Grading Policy:

• There is ALWAYS homework. Students should devote a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes per day for this purpose. Although homework is not always written, this course requires a great deal of practice and review of pronunciation, grammar, and usage. All written homework should include both questions and answers or it will not be considered complete.

• Grades are earned through a variety of sources. There will be quizzes, unit tests, worksheets/in-class writing exercises and oral activities. Class participation is also extremely important, as it is only through participation that fluency can be assessed.

• Students will be required to keep a notebook, in which they will keep notes, in-class assignments, journal entries and any other writing activities. The notebook will be checked and graded periodically on neatness and content.

• Students will also keep a folder. In it, they should keep all handouts and worksheets. By keeping a neat and complete folder, the student will have a resource for constant review/reference.

• Students are required to make up work, which they have missed because of absence or tardiness. The work should be completed within five days after returning to school. Any work not completed within this stated time frame will be recorded as a zero.

• In addition to the grading information above, it is imperative that you avoid plagiarism. Remember that plagiarism covers any instance of taking credit for someone else's work. Not only is it against the law, but it will also result in a zero. In order to avoid plagiarism, it is necessary to give credit to the original source--in other words, where you found the information.

Extra help is available for students should they require it. Prior notice is required in order to schedule time for this.